Mining machine



F. B. MILLER MINING MACHINE Oct. 21, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 14, 1946 INUE NTOA? Oct. 21, 1952 MIL 2,614,822-

MINING MACHINE Filed June 14, 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 I l I l l I l l I 1 I 1 l INVENTOR.

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A. MUHHHHWMIHMMMMH L w 3% N ww I 4 w) -L I \Alm HM Ema Patented Oct. 21 1952 2,614,822 MINING MACHINE Frederick B. Miller, Chicago, Ill. Application June 14, 1946, Serial No. 676,662

Thisinventionrelates to a coal mining machine adapted to undercut the coal, wedge down the coal undercut and load the coal cuttings from the undercut and the coal-wedged down over the undercut.

An object of the invention is toprovide a coal mining machine with a novel arrangement of hydraulic cylinders controlled by a novel arrangement Qf ;va1ves capable of positioning and reciprocating a wedge plate for breaking down suc- Another object is to provide such a machine with a reciprocatingwedge plate capable of being adjusted for breaking downsuccessive portions of coal to a predetermined height.

A further object is to provide a coal mining machine with a reciprocating wedgeplate capable of being adjusted for. breaking down successive portions of coal in various sizes.

A further object is to provide a coal mining machine as above described which will incorporate a wedge plate adapted to be reciprocated by the pressure cylinder supplied with fluid under pressure and provided with a resilient anchor for decelerating the wedge plate at the end of the return stroke and which will additionally absorb the shock imposed in starting and accelerating the wedge plate on a forward stroke, the said pressure. cylinder being supplied with fluid under pressure from a fixed displacement pump.

These and other objects will be apparent after referring to the accompanying .drawingsin which:

Figure lis a planview showingan arrangement of cylinders and valves for positioning and reciprocating the wedge plate mounted on the machine for breaking down the coal .and also showing the means forundercutting the coal and conveying the coal mined. I I

' Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the machine taken on line II-II of Figure 1, showing the cylinders, valves and piping in relation to the 'wedge plate, also showing the means formoving the machine forwardly forundercutting the coal, 'andmeans for moving the mined coal away from the working face.

Figure 3 1s an enlarged longitudinal sectional elevational view taken on line III--Ill of Figure 1, showing the arrangements of the valves and piping and also showing the resilient means for anchoring the cylinder that reciprocates the wedge plate. i

Figure '4 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional elevational view taken on line .IV-IV of Figure 1, showing the arrangement of thecylinders and the 19 Claims. (01. 262-12) on line V-V' of Figure 1.

piping and also showing the rotary cutter bar I and the wedge plate in relation to the coal to be mined.

' Figure 35 is a transverse sectional view taken Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line VI-VI of Figure 5.

' Figure 7 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken on line VII-VII of Figure 6.

l cessive portions of coal above the kerfs, cut by I the machine.

Figure 8. is an enlarged sectional view ofthe selective valves. I I v Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the control valve. v v

Figure 10 is .an enlarged sectional view of the pressure valve.

, Figure 11 "is anenlarged sectional view of the check valve.

Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view of the.

relief valve. 9

taining to the. apparatus for automatically reciprocating and swinging the wedge plate for breaking down successive portions of the coal above previously cut kerfs, I use the undercutting means like that shown and described in my prior United States Patent No. 2,368,863, dated Februaryfi, 19%; comprising a main frame l0 slidably'mounted on the anchored skid base II. A

skid base cylinder |2,mounted in the main frame 10, is provided with a piston I3 fixed to apiston rod I4 connected to the skid base II with a pin:

. i5. iForwardlyof the main frame 110 is a portion .lliin 20.

in the formof a base 16, in which a feeder plate 11 is reciprocally'mounted. Integral with the feeder plate I! is a pair of spaced l gs l8 between which is mounted .a'roller l9 journalled on the Against the lug 21, integral with the underside of the base l6 ,is seated a spring 22 arranged to exert pressure against the lug '23 integral with [the bottom side of the feederjplate i1. Pressure. exerted by the spring 22 holdsthe roller in contact with the cam 24 integral with the shafti2'5. The shaft 25 is journalled in the main frame 'Illfor rotation (by source of .p.ower not shown). whereby the cam 24 is actuated to impart forward movement to the feeder plate 11 and compression to the spring '22. Comparable to the forwardrnovement, a faster backward movement of. the feeder plate is effectedby the spring 22 maintaining the roller in contact with that portion of the cam 24 which is shaped to 3 provide a comparable Ifaster backward movement. Byreason of the rapidityof the backward fmovement. the feeder. plate I! slips under the coal, while the forward movement of thefeeder fIn carrying out that part of my invention per toward the rotary cutter bar.

ends on the shaft 55.

journalled a rotary cutter bar comprising a shaft Integral with the shaft 33 is, a sprocket 38. To the 33 provided with bits 34, 35, 35 and 31.

rear of and in alignment with the sprocket 38 is a sprocket 39 fixed to a power driven shaft 40 (source of power not shown). A cutter chain in a plane parallel to the side of the main frame I0 is trained over the sprockets 38 and 39 for driving the rotary cutter bar. The rotary cutter bar is operative to undercut and form a 'kerf in the coal to be mined. The forward sides of the housing 3! and 32 are formed to provide the wedges a2 and 43. Adjacent to the sides of the wedge 35 are bits 3 and 35, the bit 34 being adapted to out a recess in the coal side face frame I0 opposite to the. cutter chain AI. Adjacent to the sides of the wedge 42 is a bit 31 and a cutter chain 4| carrying teeth, The cutter chain teeth 45 are adapted to cut a recess in the coal side face 5.6 in a plane parallel to the side of the main frame I0. Adjustable shoes 41, secured to the backward underside of the main frame I3, are adapted to bear against the solid side faces 24 and 45 of the recesses cut'by the bit 3% and the cutter chain teeth 45 for guiding and holding the machine in alignment.

To the rear of the rotary cutter bar and integral with the underside of the inclined portion '45 in a plane parallel to the side of the main 28 is a semi-circular trough 48 with an open side Concentric with the trough 48 is a conveyor screw comprising screw 49 integral with the periphery of the shaft 50 journalled in the ribs 30. Adjacent and parallel to the shaft 50 is a shaft 5| on which the pulley 2 is keyed. Fixed to the shaft Si is a gear 52 meshed with a gear 53 fixed to the shaft 50. The endless belt 26, trained over the pulley 21, is adapted to impart rotation to the conveyor screw.

and '58 is pivotally mounted at their backward Quadrant gear 59, keyed to the shaft 56, is meshed with the quadrant V 7 gear 50 integral'with a cross member 6| which is integral. with the guides 57 and 58. A second quadrant gear I52, keyed to the shaft 56, is meshed with a rack 63 integral with a piston rod 64, said piston rod 64 being fixed to a piston 65 reciprocally mounted in a carriage swing cylinder 66 secured in the main frame I0. Source of fluid under pressure and means for directing fluid against fthe piston 65 for swinging the guides 51 and 58 about the shaft will be described.

The guides 57 and 58 are provided with bearing portions 61 and (53 respectively, on which the ram bars 69 and is forming the sides of the carriage are slidably mounted. The ram bars 69 and ID are tied together with a base plate II to complete the carriage. The ram bars 69 and I0 are adapted to reciprocate on the bearing portions 61 and 68. Racks I2, integral with the ram bars 69 and I0, are meshed with rack pinions I3, keyed to the shaft 55 for equalizing the movement of the ram bars 69 and I0. Secured to the base A pair of spaced upright supporting brackets or bearings 54 is mounted on the main frame it and a pair of horizontal shafts 55 and .56 are journalled therein. A pair of guides 51 reciproca'ble spool 98.

posed between springs 8| backed against the opposite ends of the yoke I9. A pin 82 extends through the cross-head at right angles to the springs 0i and is journalled at the opposite ends of the pin in a pair of brackets 83 integral with the cross member 6! of the guides 51 and 58. A piston 84 in the cylinder 18 is fixed to a piston rod 85 with a pin 85 journalled in the piston rod head 82'. Opposite ends of the pin 86 are secured in a pair of lugs 88 integral with the base plate l I. Source of the fluid under pressure and means for directing said fluid against the piston 84 for reciprocating the wedge plate I4 will now be described.

An injector cylinder 89 is secured to the forward underside of the cylinder I8. The rear end of the injector cylinder has an opening 90. A piston 9i is reciprocally mounted in the injector cylinder 89. A spring 02 is provided for exerting pressure against the piston 9!, said spring 92 being adapted to impart forward movement to the piston 0| to a position against the ring 93 whereby fluid is drawn into the injector cylinder 89 through the opening 90. The forward end of the piston 9| is provided with a boss 94 protruding through ring 93. A bracket 05, integral with the piston rod head Bl, is provided with an adjustable pin 96 adapted to engage the-boss 04, causing fluid in the injector cylinder 89 to be discharged through the opening 90.

The selective valve 9?, Figures 3 and 8, has a A pilot cylinder 90, integral with the selective valve 91, is in alignment with spool 98. A pilot piston I00 in the pilot cylinder 59 is fixed to a stem NI; One end of stem iBI, extending through the end of the pilot cylinder 99, is connected with the spool 93, with the opposite end of the stem IOI extending through the opposite end of the pilotcylinder 99. An inlet I02 is provided in the end of the selective valve 91. Openings I03, I04 and'l05 in the side of the selective valve H'Iare connected with the ports I05, I01 and I08, respectively. Openings I09 and I I0 are provided at the opposite ends of the pilot cylinder 09 for flow of fluid into the pilot cylinder 93. Flow of fluid under pressure into the opposite endsof the pilot cylinder 99, alternately imparts reciprocatory movement to the spool 98. Reciprocatory movement of the spool 98 in relation to the ports I06, I01 and I08 causes fluid to be'clirected and released through the ports I06, I01 and I08. An auxiliary selective valve III has a reciprocable spool II2. A pilot cylinder H3, integral with the auxiliary selective valve III, is in alignment with the spool H2. A pilot piston H4 in the pilot cylinder I I3 is fixed to a stem I I5. One end of the stem II5 extends through the end of the pilot cylinder I I3 and is connected with the spool II2, with the opposite end of the stem II5 extending through the opposite end of the pilot cylinder I I3 at right angles to that portion of the stem IOI extending through the end of the pilot cylinder 99. The end portion of the stem H5 is adapted to move into the path of the end portion of the stem IOI for the purpose to be described. An inlet H6 is provided in the end of the auxiliary selective valve III. Openings H1, H8 and I IS in the sides of the auxiliary selective valve III are connected with the ports I20,- I2I ,and

I22, respectively. Openings I23 and I24 are provided at the opposite ends of the pilot cylinder II3 for flow of fluid into the pilot cylinder H3. Flow of fluid under pressureinto the opposite ends of the pilot cylinder II3 alternately imparts reciprocatory movement to the spool I I2. Reciprocatory movement of the spool I I2 in relation to the ports I20, I2I and I22 causes fluid to be directed and released through the ports I20, I2I and I22.

The relief valve I25 has a reciprocable spool 1 I26. A spring I21, seated in the spool I26, ex-

erts pressure against the spool. A plunger I28 is integral with the spool I26, said plunger being adapted to extend into the bore I29 of the relief valve I25. An inlet I30 and an outlet I3I are provided in the opposite sides of the relief valve with a duct I32 extending from the inlet I30 to the bore I29. Fluid flowing through the relief valve, exceeding the working pressure, causes the plunger I28 to exert sufficient pressure against the spring I21 to actuate the spool I26 whereby the spool is positioned in relation to the relief opening I33 for release of thefluid.

The pressure valve I34 has a reciprocable plunger I35 with an orifice I39. A seat I31 is provided in the pressure valve I34 for seating the plunger I35, said plunger having a spring I38 seated therein for exerting pressure against the plunger. An inlet I39 is located in the pressure valve adjacent to the end of plunger I35. An outlet I40 is provided in the side of the pressure valve, which is normally closed. Flow of fluid through the inlet I39 imparts movement to the plunger I35 whereby the outlet I40 is opened for flow of fluid through the pressure valve I34. The orifice extends longitudinally through'the center of the plunger I35 and serves to bypass the fluid to permit the plunger I35 to seat after flow of the fluid through the pressure valve I34 is cut off. The orifice I36 is an opening of specific area to cause an elapse of time for bypass of the fluid to seat the plunger I35, whereby the fluid under pressure is retained in the pressure valve I34 for a predetermined time interval.

The check valve I4I' has a plunger I42 and is provided with a seat I43 for seating said plunger I42. A spring I44 is located in the plunger I42 for normally holding the plunger on the seat I43. Inlet I45 is provided in the end of the check valve adjacent to the seated end of the plunger I42 and outlet I46 is located in the side of the check valve, said outlet I46 being out off from the inlet I45 when the plunger I42 is seated.

' The control valve I41 has a reciprocable plug,

I48. A passage I49 extends longitudinally through the center of the plug I48 for providing fluid at both ends of the plug. A stem' I50 is fixed to the plug I48 for manually actuating the plug. An inlet II is provided in the end of the control valve. Outlets I52 and I53 in sides of the control valve are connected with the ports I54 and I53, respectively. The plug I48 is adapted to open the ports I54 and I55 alternately. Mounted on the main frame I0 is a tank I56 for providing a. supply of fluid (preferably ,oil). A pump I58 is also mounted on the main frame I0 and is provided with a suction line I51 connected to the tank I56 and a discharge line I59 connected to the control valve I41.

In operation the main frame I9 is fed forwardly on the skid base II by directing fluid under pressure against the piston I3 reciprocally mounted in the skid base cylinder I2 (source of fluid not shown). 3 Forward movement of the valve I41.

main frame IO engages the rotary cutterrbar bits 34, 35, 36 and 31, wedge portions 42 and 43 of the cutter bar housings 3I and 32, and the cutter chain teeth 45 with the coal to be mined. The bits 34 and 35 cut away the coal adjacent the wedge 43, while the bit 31-and the cutter chain teeth 45 cut away the coal adjacent the wedge 42. The wedges 42 and 43 penetrate and crowd the coal at the forward side of the housings3l and 32 into the kerf cut adjacent to the wedges; and the coal thus crowded into the kerfs is accordingly brushed rearwardly by the bits 34, 35, 36 and 31, and the cutter chain teeth 45, thereby providing space for advancing the housings 3I and 32. Cuttings from the rotary cutter bar are shrouded by the web 29 andpushed back into the semi-circular trough 48, the conveyor screw 49 being concentrically mounted in the trough 48 for conveying the cuttings onto belt 26.

Mounted in the guides 51 and 53 is a carriage carrying a wedge plate 14, the carriage being geared for reciprocatory and vertical movement. Forward movement of the carriage drivesesthe wedge plate into the coal face undercut by the rotary cutter bar. At the end of each backward movement of the carriage the same. is elevated for wedging off a successive portion of coal to a predetermined height, after which the carriage is lowered to position the wedge plate immediately above the kerf. Coal wedgedfrom the coal face above a kerf falls to the platform,

consisting of the web 29 between the-ribs 39.

By reason of the platform entering the kerf being cut, the coal resting on the platform and backed by that portion of the coal face to be mined above the kerf is crowded from the platform onto the feeder plate I1 and the endless conveyor belt 26. Successive portions of coal wedged from the coal face flow on to thefeeder plate I1 and to the endless conveyor belt 26. Top sides I60 of the housing 3I and 32 bear against the top side of the undercut, which provides backing at the forward end of the main frame I0 for resisting the upward reactive force exerted, thereby driving the wedge plate 14 into the coal. Adjustable shoes 41, secured to the backward underside of the main frame I9, bear against the solid side faces 44 and 46 of the recess cut in the coal by the bit 34 and thecutter chain teeth 45. The adjustable shoes 41, backedby the solid side faces 44 and 46, serve to hold the wedge portions 42 and 43 of the cutter bar housings 3I and 32 in proper alignment for guiding the machine in the path of the coal to be mined when fed forwardly on the skid base II.

In carrying out the operation of the apparatus for imparting reciprocatory movement .to the wedge plate, the power driven pump I53 (source of power not shown) is adapted to drawfluid from the tank I56 through the line I51 and discharge said fluid under pressure through the line I59 provided with the manually operated control The control valve I41 is adapted to direct the fluid through the line I6I to the selective valve 91 or through line I62 to the tank I56. The spool 98, as shown is positioned in relation to the ports I06, I01 and I08 for release of fluid from the backward end of the cylinder 18 through the line I63, simultaneously directing the fluid through the line I64 to the forward end of cylinder 18, causing the wedge plate 14 to be retracted with the piston 84 at the end of the stroke. By reason of the piston 84 coming to a state of rest at the end of the backward stroke, the pressure in line I64 exceeds the working pressure, causing the fluid to escape from the relief valve I25 provided in line I04. from relief valve I25 in the line I54, flows through the tank return line I95 having pressure valve I34. Fluid flowing through the pressure valve I34 in the line I65 causes movement of plunger I35 against the spring I38. Pressure required to move the plunger I35 against spring I38 is diverted through the line I66 to the opening I09 in pilot cylinder 99. Pressure diverted into the pilot cylinder 99 causes pilotpiston I to position the spool 98 in relation to ports I05, I01 and I08 for directing fluid through line I53 to the backward end of cylinder I8, simultaneously releasing the fluid through the line I54 from the forward end of the cylinder 18, thereby causing piston 84 to move the wedge plate I l forwardly to the end of the stroke. By reason of piston 84 coming to a state of rest at the end of the forward stroke, pressure in the line I53 exceeds the working pressure, thereby causing the fluid to escape from the relief valve I provided in the line I53. Fuid escaping from relief valve I25 in the line I53 flows through the tank return line I6! having the pressure valve I34. Fluid flowing through pressure valve I in the line I6! causes movement of the plunger I against the spring I38. Pressure required to move the plunger I35 against the spring I38 is diverted through the line I58 to the opening III) in the pilot cylinder 99. Pressure diverted into the pilot cylinder 99 causes the pilot piston I00 to position the spool 98 in relation to the ports I06, I07 and I08 for directing the fluid to the backward end of cylinder I8 through line I53, and simultaneously releasing the fluid through the line I54 from the forward end of cylinder I9, thereby causing the piston 84 to again move the Wedge plate M forwardly.

The crosshead 80 being connected to the carriage guides 57 and 59 and interposed between the springs BI, seated in the opposite ends of the yoke I9 integral with cylinder I8, provides a resilient connection to the cylinder. The cylinder I8 is adapted to yield in relation to the piston 84 to provide space between the end of the cylinder and the end of the piston for absorbin excess volume of fluid directed into the cylinder and thereby absorb the shock imposed to accelerate the wedge plate I I. By reason of the resilient connection absorbing the shock imposed to accelerate the wedge plate "M, the working pressure of the fluiddirected into the cylinder I4 is not exceeded. The resilient connection to the cylinder I0 also serves to decelerate the wedge plate I4 when the piston 04 abuts either end of the cylinder. 3

In carrying out the operation of the apparatus for imparting swinging movement to the plate i l, the injector cylinder 89 is fixed to the forward underside of the cylinder I0. Said injector cylinder 89 is provided with a piston SI and a spring 92. The spring 92 is adapted to exert pressure against the'pistcn 9I for normally maintaining the piston 9! against the ring 93 fixed to the forward end of the injector cylinder 55. A boss 95,

located on'the forward end of the piston 91, protrudes through the ring 93. A .bracket 95 is integral with the piston rod head 6'1, said bracket being provided with an adjustable pin adapted to engage the boss A swing cylinder 65 is mounted in the main frame I5 and is provided with a piston 55 fixed to a piston rod 5 3. The piston rod 5t is provided with a rack 53 meshed with a quadrant gear 52 keyed on the shaft 55.

Fluid escaping A second quadrant gear 59, keyed on the shaft 53, is meshed with the quadrant gear 50 integral with the cross member IiI of the guides 5! and 58. The line I69, having a relief valve I25, connects the injector cylinder 89 to the forward end of the swing cylinder 65. The line I69 is connected to the tank line I52, with the line I70 being provided with the check valve I4I. Fluid is drawn into the injector cylinder from the line I52 through the lines I10 and I69 by reason of the forward movement impartedto the. injector piston SII by the spring 92. The check valve MI in the line I70 is adapted to prevent the return of the fluid from the injector cylinder 89 to the tank I50. Engagement of the adjustable pin with the boss 95 on the injector piston 9! imparts bcakward movement to the injector piston, causing a predetermined amount of fluid under pressure to flow through the line I59 into the forward end of the swing cylinder 66. A predetermined amount of fluid, directed into the swing cylinder 66, imparts a specific amount of movement to the piston 05 whereby the rack 33, meshing with the quadrant gear 52, causes the carriage to swing a step upward to position the wedge plate I4 for the successive forward stroke of the wedge plate. On the completion of a predetermined number of upward steps of the wedge plate M, the end of the rack 53 engages an adjustable stop III. At the time the end of the rack 53 engages the adjustable stop III, the fluid pressure in the line I 69 exceeds the working pressure, causing the fluid to escape from the relief valve I25 provided in line I69. Fluid escaping from the relief valve I25 in line I09 flows through the tank return line [12 having a pressure valve I3 3. Fluid flowing through the pressure valve I34 in line I12 causes movement of the plunger I35 against the spring I39. Pressure required to move the plunger I35 against the spring I38 is diverted through the line N13 to the opening I24 in the pilot cylinder I I3. Pressure diverted into the pilot cylinder I I3 causes the pilot piston II4 to position the spool in relation to the ports I25, I2I and I22 in the auxiliary selective valve I I I for directing the fluid under pressure from line H5 and through line I15 to the backward end of the swing cylinder 66, simultaneously releasing the fluid through the lines I'M and E59 from the forward end of the swing cylinder 55 and causing forward movement or the piston 65 to the end of the stroke. The spool H2 is positioned for directing the fluid to the backward end of the Swing cylinder 65 thus simultaneously releasing the fluid from the forward end of the Swing cylinder 66. The end portion of the stem II 5 moves into the path of the end portion of the stern IOI, causing the spool 58 to be latched against movement whereby the reciprocatory movement of the wedge plate I4 is stopped in retracted position to clear the material to be mined when the wedge plate is being swung to the bottom position. By reason of the swing cylinder piston 55 coming to a state of rest at the end of the forward stroke, the pressure in the line II6 exceeds the working pressure, causing the fluid to escape from the relief valve I provided in the line IIS. Fluid escaping from relief valve I25 in line I76 flows through the tank return line I'll having a pressure valve I34. Fluid flowing through the pressure valve I 34 causes movement of the plunger I35 against the spring I38. The pressure required to move the plunger I35 against the spring I38 is diverted through line II?! to the opening I23 in the pilot cylinder II 3. Pressure diverted into the pilot cylinder H3 causes the pilot piston I [4 to position the spool H2 in relation to the ports I20, l2! and I22 in the auxiliary selective valve l l I for releasing the fluid through the line I16 from the backward end of the swing cylinder 66 and simultaneously cutting off release of the fluid from the forward end of the swing cylinder. The spool H2 being positioned for releasing the fluid from the backward end of the swing cylinder 65 and with the release of the fluid from the forward end of the swing cylinder 66 being cut off, the end portion of the stem H is withdrawn from the path of the end portion of the stem Illl whereby the spool 98 is free to be actuated for reciprocating the wedge plate as described.

A machine as described above is particularly adapted for continuous operation, that does not require removal of the machine or a plurality of machines from the respective working faces.

I claim:

1. In a mining machine having a main frame, guides mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a dislodgeing member mounted on said carriage, means to reciprocate said carriage for driving said dislodging member into the material to be mined comprising a main cylinder anchored to said guides, a piston reciprocally mounted in said main cylinder and connected to said dislodging member, a main selective valve provided with ports, a spool reciprocally mounted in said main selective valve, a pilot cylinder adjacent said main selective valve, a pilot piston reciprocally mounted in said pilot cylinder having a stem connected to said spool, means for providing fluid under pressure to, said main selective valve, means for actuating said pilot piston for positioning said spool in relation to said ports in said main selective valve for'directing and releasing fluid to and from, opposite ends of said main cylinder alternately whereby reciprocatory movement is imparted to said wedge plate, means for absorbing the shock imposed to accelerate and decelerate said dislodging memher at end of stroke, means for swinging said dislodging' member upwardly in steps to position said dislodging member for breaking down successive portions of the material to be mined, means for rendering said dislodging member inoperative in retracted position to clear said dislodging member of the material to be mined when said dislodging member is being swung downwardly, and means for swinging said dislodging member downwardly to bottom position.

2. In a mining machine having a main frame, guides mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a transverse wedge plate mounted on said carriage, a main cylinder anchored to said guides, a piston reciprocally mounted in said main cylinder connected to said carriage, a main selective valve provided with ports, a spool reciprocally mounted in said main selective valve, a pilot cylinder adjacent said main selective valve, a pilot piston reciprocally mounted in said pilot cylinder, said pilot piston having a stem connected to said spool, means for actuating said pilot piston for positioning said spool in relation to said ports for directing and releasing fluid to and from opposite ends of said main cylinder alternately to impart reciprocatory movement to said wedge plate for driving said wedge plate into the material to be mined comprising a relief valve at opposite ends of said main cylinder adapted to release fluid exceeding the working pressure at the end of each stroke of said 10 piston, a pressure valve connected to each of said relief valves, said pressure valve consisting of a body, a seat provided in said body, a plunger reciprocally mounted in said body, an orifice longitudinally through said plunger, a spring ex:- erting pressure against said plunger for normally holding said plunger to said seat, an outlet in side of said body, fluid escaping momentarily from said relief valve enters said body through said inlet imparting movement to said plunger whereby said outletis opened for flow of fluid through said body, on recession of the flow of fluid through said body said plunger closes said outlet by reason of said spring imparting movement to said plunger and thereby trapping fluid under pressure in said body, fluid trapped in said body is gradually released through said orifice in said plunger for a predetermined time interval and thereby diverting pressure for a prede termined time interval to said pilot cylinder whereby said pilot piston is actuated for positioningsaid spool in relation to said ports.

3. In a mining maohinehaving a main frame, guides mounted for a vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, acarriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a dislodging member mounted on said carriage, a main cylinder anchored to said guides, a piston reciprocally mounted in said main cylinder connected to said dislodgingmember, a main selective valve provided with ports, a spool reciprocally mounted in said main selective valve, a pilot cylinder adja cent said main selective valve, a pilot piston reciprocally mounted in said pilot cylinder having a stem connected to said spool adapted tobe actuated for positioning said spool in relation to said ports whereby fluid is directed and released to and from opposite ends of said main cylinder alternately to impart reciprocatory movement to said dislodging member for driving said dislodging member into the material to be mined, means escaping from said, relief valves flows through said pressure valves alternately, said pressure valves being adapted to divert fluid under pres ,sure to oppositeends of said pilot cylinder alter nately for actuating said pilot piston.

4. In a mining machine having a main frame, guides mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a transverse wedge plate mounted on said carriage, a main cylinder anchored to said guides, a piston reciprocally mounted in said main cylinder having a piston rod with a piston rod head connected to said carriage, a tank containing fluid, means for. directing and releasing fluid to and from opposite ends of said main cylinder alternately to impart reciprocatory movement to said wedge plate,

means for swinging said wedge plate in steps:

whereby said wedge plate is positioned for breaking down successive portions of material to be mined comprising a swing cylinder having a piston rod geared to said guides, an injector cylinder fixed to said main cylinder, a fluid line provided with a check valve connecting said injector cylinder with said tank, a fluid line connecting said injector cylinder with said swing cylinder, an in jector piston reciprocally mounted in said injector cylinder adapted to draw fluid from said tank into said injector cylinder through said fluid line provided with said check valve, said check valve being adapted to trap fluid in said injector cylinder, an adjustable pin fixed to said piston rod head adapted to engage and impart movement to said injector piston causing a predetermined amount of fluid to be forced through said fluid line from said injector cylinder to said swing cylinder whereby a predetermined amount movement is imparted to said swing piston for positioning said wedge plate for breaking down successive portions of material to be mined.

5. In a mining machine having a main frame, guides mounted for vertical swinging movement 7 relative to said main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a wedge plate mounted on said carriage, means for reciprocating said carriage for driving said wedge plate into the material to be mined, means for swinging said wedge plate in steps for breaking down successive portions of material to be mined comprising a swing cylinder mounted in said main frame, a swing piston reciprocally mounted in said swing cylinder, said swing piston being fixed to a piston rod geared to said guides, means for injecting successive predetermined amounts of fluid into said swing cylinder causing successive movements of said swing piston for swinging said wedge plate in steps whereby said Wedge plate breaks down successive portions of material to be mined.

6. In a mining machine having a main frame, guides mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a transverse wedge plate mounted on said carriage, a main cylinder anchored to said guides, a piston reciprocally mounted in said main cylinder having a piston rod with a piston rod head connected to said wedge plate, a tank containing fluid, means for directing and releasing fluid to and from opposite ends of said main cylinder alternately to impart reciprocatory movement to said wedge plate for driving said wedge plate into the material to be mined, means for swinging said wedge plate downwardly from a predetermined height to bottom position comprising a swing cylinder mounted in said main frame, a swing piston reciprocally mounted in said swing cylinder having a piston rod geared to said guides, an auxiliary selective valve, a pilot cylinder adjacent said auxiliary selective valve, a pilot piston reciprocally mounted in said pilot cylinder having a stem fixed to a spool reciprocally mounted in said,

auxiliary selective valve, a port in said auxiliary selective valve, a fluid line connecting said port to the forward end of said swing cylinder, a second port in said auxiliary selective valve, a fluid line provided with a relief valve connecting said second named port to backward end of said swing cylinder, a third port in said auxiliary selective valve, a fluid line connecting said third named port with said tank, said spool being positioned in said auxiliary selective valve to release fluid from the backward end of said swing cylinder and to cut off flow of fluid from the forward end of said swing cylinder to said tank, an injector cylinder fixed to said main cylinder, a fluid line provided with a check valve connecting said injector cylinder with said tank, a fluid line provided with a relief valve connecting said injector cylinder with the forward end of said swing cylinder, an injector piston reciprocally mounted in said injector cylinder adapted to draw fluid from said tank into said injector cylinder through said line provided with said check valve, said check valve being adapted to trap fluid drawn into said injector cylinder, an adjustable pin fixed to said piston rod head being adapted to engage and impart movement to said injector piston to force fluid into the forward end of said swing cylinder for imparting movement to said swing piston, and whereby said swing piston rod engages anadjustable stop fixed to said main frame, said swing piston rod engaging said adjustable stop causes said swing piston to come to state of rest where by the working pressure is exceeded causing fluid to escape from said relief valve provided in said fluid line connecting said injector cylinder to the forward end of said swing cylinder, fluid escaping from said relief valve provided in said fluid line connecting. said injector cylinder to the forward end of said swing cylinder i diverted under pressure into said pilot cylinder to impart movement to said pilot piston for positioning said spool in relation to said ports in said auxiliary selective valve for releasing fluid from the forward end of said swing cylinder and for directing fluid to the backward end of said swing cylinder whereby movement is imparted to said swing cylinder piston to end of the stroke and whereby said wedge plate is swing downwardly to bottom position.

'7. In a mining machine having a main frame, guides mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a wedge plate mounted on said carriage, means for reciprocating said carriage for driving said wedge plate into the material to be mined, means for swinging said wedge plate in steps to position said wedge plate for breaking down successive portions of material to be mined to a predetermined height,

meansv for swinging said wedge plate to bottom position comprising a swing cylinder mounted in said mainframe, a swing piston reciprocally mounted in said swing cylinder, said swing piston being fixed to a piston rod geared with said guides, means for directing fluid into said swing cylinder to impart movement to said swing piston whereby said wedge plate is swung to bottom position.

8. In a mining machine having a main frame, guides mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a transverse wedge plate mounted on said carriage, a main cylinder anchored to said guides, a piston reciprocally mounted in said main cylinder connected to said wedge plate, a swing cylinder mounted in said main frame, a swing piston reciprocally mounted in said swing cylinder fixed to a piston rod geared to said guides, a main selective valve provided with ports, a spool reciprocally mounted in said main selective valve, a pilot cylinder adjacent said main selective valve, a pilot piston reciprocally mounted in said pilot cylinder, said pilot piston having a stem, one end of said stem being connected to said spool with opposite end of said stem extending through end of said pilot cylinder, means for diverting fluid under pressure to said pilot cylinder for positioning said spool in relation to said ports whereby fluid is directed and released to and from opposite ends of said main cylinder alternately to impart reciprocatory movement to said wedge plate for driving said wedge plate into the material to be mined, an auxiliary selective valve provided with ports, a spool reciprocally mounted in said auxiliary selective valve, a pilot cylinder adjacent said auxiliary selective valve, a

pilot piston having a'stem reciprocally mounted in said pilot cylinder adjacent said auxiliary selective valve, one end of said stem being con nected to said spool in said auxiliary selective valve with opposite end of said stem extending throughend of said pilot cylinder adjacent said auxiliary selective valve, means for diverting fluidunder pressure to said pilot cylinder adjacent said auxiliary selective valvefor positioning said spool in said auxiliary selective valve in relation to said ports in said auxiliary selective valve whereby fluid is directed to and released from said swing cylinder for imparting'rnovement to said piston rod for swinging said wedge plate downwardly to bottom position, means for rendering said wedge plate inoperative in re 9. In a mining machine having a main frame,

guides mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a wedge plate mounted, on said carriage, a main cylinder anchored to said guides, a main piston reciprocally mountedin'said main cylinder connected to said wedge plate, a swing cylinder mounted in said main frame, a swing piston reciprocally mounted in said swing cylinder, said swing piston being fixed to a piston rod geared to said guides,a main selective valve provided with ports, a spool reciprocally mounted in said main selective valve, a stem, fixed to said spool reciprocallvmounted in said main selective valve, means for position ing said spool in relation to said port in said main selective valve whereby fluid is directed and released to and from the opposite ends of said, main cylinder alternately to impart re ciprocatory movement to said wedge plate for driving said wedge plate into material to be mined, an auxiliary selective valve provided with ports, a spool reciprocally mounted in said auxiliary selective, valve, a stem fixed to said spool reciprocally mounted in said auxiliary selective valve, means for positioning said spool in relation to said ports in said auxiliary selective valve whereby fluid is directed to said swing cylinder for imparting movement to said piston rod for swinging said wedge plate to bottomposition, means for stopping the reciprocatory movement of said wedge plate in retracted position to clear the material to be mined when said wedge plate is being swung to bottom position comprising said stem fixed to said spool reciprocally mounted in said auxiliary selective valve being adapted to move into the path of said stem fixed to said spool reciprocally mounted in said main selective valve whereby said main selective valve is held inoperative causing the reciprocatory movement of said wedge plate to be stopped in retracted position when said wedge plate is being swung to bottom position.

10. In a mining machine having a main frame, guides mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a dislodging member mounted on said carriage, means for re-' ciprocating said dislodging member for driving said dislodging member into the material tobe mined, a swing cylinder mounted in said main frame, a swing piston reciprocally mounted in said swing cylinder having a piston rod geared to said guides, an auxiliary selective valve provided with ports, a spool reciprocally mounted in said auxiliary selective valve, a pilot cylinder adjacent said auxiliary selective valve, a pilot piston in said pilot cylinderhaving a stem connected to said spool andadapted to be actuated for positioning said spool in relation to said ports for directing and releasing fluid to and from opposite ends of said swing cylinder alternately for imparting upwardly and downwardly swinging movement to said dislodging member whereby said dislodging member is positioned for breaking down successive portions of the material to; be mined, means for actuating said pilot piston to position said spool in relation to said ports in said auxiliary selective valve comprising a relief valve connected. to op posite ends of said swing cylinder, fluid directed into opposite ends of said swing cylinder alternately exceeds the working pressure at the end of each stroke of said swing piston causing fluid to escape from said relief valves alternately, fluid escaping from said relief valves is diverted under pressure into opposite ends of said pilot cylinder alternately whereby said pilot piston is actuated for positioning said spool in relation to said ports in said auxiliary selective valve.

11. In a mining machine, in combination, a

main frame, a wedge plate mounted by the frame for reciprocating movement relative thereto,

motor means for reciprocating said wedge plate to break down the material to be mined, said motor means including a cylinder, a piston mounted for movement in the cylinder and operatively connected to the wedge plate, selective valve means having connection with a source of fluid. under pressure, fluid conducting means respectively connecting the selective valve means withopposite ends of the cylinder for alternately cessive pressure at the end of each stroke of the,

piston and operative to actuate the selective valve means to reverse the flow of pressure fluid, whereby pressure fluid is delivered to that end of the cylinder previously vented and the opposite end is vented to cause a return stroke of the piston.

12. A mining machine as defined byclaim 11, wherein the selective valve means includes a spool adapted to be reciprocated for directingthe pressure fluid to and releasing the pressure fluid from respective ends of the cylinder, 2. pilot cylinder having a pilot piston connected to the spool for reciprocating the same, and wherein said control means includes a relief valve interposed in theconducting means respectively, and other.

conducting means connecting each. said relief valve with one end of the pilot cylinder.

13. In a mining machine, in combination, a main frame, a wedge plate mounted by the frame for reciprocating movement relative thereto, motor means for reciprocating said wedge plate to break down the material to be mined, saidmotor aelasaa 15 means including a cylinder, a piston mounted for movement in the cylinder and operatively connected to the wedge plate, selective valve means having connection with a source of fluid under pressure, fluid conducting means respectively connecting the selective valve means with opposite ends of the cylinder for alternately delivering pressure fluid to and venting said fluid from respective ends of the cylinder as determined by the selective valve means, whereby reciprocating movement is impartedto the piston and thus to the wedge plate, the said pressure fluid delivered to the cylinder momentarily attaining an excessive pressure such as to exceed the working pressure at the end of each stroke of the piston, control means responsive to said excessive pressure at the end of each stroke of the piston and operative to actuate the selective valve means to reverse the flow of pressure fluid, whereby pressure fluid is delivered to that end of the cylinder previously vented and the opposite end is vented to cause a return stroke of the piston, and means resiliently connecting the cylinder to the said main frame to permit movement of the cylinder in either direction against the tension of said resilient means and to a limited extent with respect to the piston, whereby to provide space for absorbing pressure fluid delivered to the cylinder sufficient to prevent the occurrence of an excessive pressure exceeding the Working pressure except at the end of each stroke of the piston,

14. A mining machine as defined by claim 13, wherein the means resiliently connecting the cylinder to said main frame includes a yoke extending rearwardly from the end wall of the cylinder, a crosshead slidably mounted in the yoke, resilient means on each side of the crosshead between the same and the yoke, and a member extending through the crosshead at right angles to its direction of movement and fixed at respective ends.

15. In a mining machine, in combination, a main frame, guides mounted on a horizontal axis provided by the main frame fo vertical swinging movement with respect to the frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a wedge plate fixed to the carriage, first motor means for reciprocating the carriage and thus the wedge plate to break down the material to be mined, second motor means for imparting swinging movement to the guides and thus the wedge plate to cause the same to vertically traverse the face of the material to be mined, said first motor means including a first cylinder and a piston mounted for movement in the cylinder and connected to the carriage, said second motor means including a second cylinder and a piston mounted for movement in the cylinder and operatively connected to the guides, selective valve means for each cylinder and each selective valve means having connection with a source of fluid under pressure, fluid conducting means for the cylinders respectively each having connection with a selective valve means and connecting the same to opposite ends of its cylinder for alternately delivering pressure fluid to and venting said fluid from respective ends of its cylinder as determined by its selective valve means, whereby reciprocating movement is imparted to the pistons of said cylinders to reciprocate the wedge plate and cause swinging movement of the guides, the said pressure fluid being delivered to the cylinders momentarily attaining an excessive pressure such as to exceed the working pressure at the end of each stroke of its piston, and control means for each selective valve means responsive to the excessive pressure at the end of eachstroke of its piston and operative to actuate the selective valve means to reverse the flow of pressure fluid, whereby pressure fluid is delivered to that end of each cylinder previously vented and the opposite end is vented to cause a return stroke of. the pistons respectively.

16. A mining machine as defined by claim 15,

wherein the selective valve means for the cylinders respectively have interlocking relation with each other when in certain positions, whereby when the selective valve means for the second cylinder is positioned to effect flow of pressure fluid through the fluid conducting means to cause downward swinging movement of the guides the selective valve means for the first cylinder is locked preventing actuation and maintaining the wedge plate in retracted position.

17. In a mining machine, in combination, a main frame, guides mounted on a horizontal axis provided by the main frame for vertical swinging movement with respect to the frame,'a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a wedge plate fixed to the carriage, first motormeans for reciprocating the carriage and thus the wedge plate to break down the material to be mined as a result of forward reciprocating strokes of the wedge plate, second motor means for imparting swinging movement to the guides and thus to the wedge plate to cause the same to vertically traverse the face of the material to be mined, said second motor means including a swing cylinder and a piston mounted for movement in the cylinder and operatively connected to the guides, a tank containing a fluid adapted to be supplied under pressure to respective ends of the swing cylinder for actuating the piston, an injector cylinder having an injector piston, spring means backing the injector piston to maintain the same in forward position within its cylinder, means fixed to the wedge plate and adapted to contact the injector piston upon each retracted stroke of the wedge plate to move the injector piston rearwardly, whereby the injector piston has pumping action as the wedge plate reciprocates, fluid conducting means'having a check valve interposed therein and connecting the injector cylinder with said tank, and other fluid conducting means connecting the said check valve with that end of the swing cylinder to cause upward swinging movement of the guides, whereby the pumping action of the injector piston draws fluid from the tank and delivers the same under pressure to the swing cylinder to cause upward swinging movement of the guides in successive steps alternating with forward reciprocating strokes of the wedge plate.

18. In a mining machine, in combination, a main frame, a wedge plate mounted by the main frame for reciprocation to break down the material to be mined and for vertical swinging movement to cause the wedge plate to traverse the material to be mined, means for reciprocating the wedge plate, motor means for imparting swinging movement to the wedge plate including a swing cylinder and a piston mounted for movement in the cylinder and operatively connected to effect swin ing movement of the wedge plate, injector mechanism adapted to be actuated by each retracted stroke of the wedge plate to effect a pumpin action of the injector mechanism, a fluid supply tank, and fluid conducting means connecting the injector mechanism with the tank and with that end of the swing cylinder to cause upward swinging movement of the wedge plate,

said injector mechanism and fluid conductin means being constructed and arranged whereby the pumping action of the injector mechanism draws fluid from the tank and delivers the same under pressure to the swing cylinder to cause upward swinging movement of the wedge plate in successive steps.

19. In a mining machine, in combination, a main frame, guides mounted for vertical swinging movement on a horizontal axis provided by the main frame, a carriage reciprocally mounted in said guides, a wedge plate fixed to the carriage, means for reciprocating the carriage and thus the wedge plate comprising a first cylinder and a piston therein mounted for reciprocating movement and connected to the carriage, means resiliently connecting the cylinder to the guides including a yoke extending rearwardly from the end wall of the cylinder, a crosshead slidably mounted in the yoke, resilient means on each side of the crosshead between the same and the 18 yoke, and a member extending through the crosshead at right angles to its direction of movement and fixed at respective ends to the guides, and motor means for imparting swinging movement to the guides including a swing cylinder fixed to the main frame, and a piston mounted for reciprocation in the swin cylinder and operatively connected to the guides.

FREDERICK B. MILLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are or record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,281,503 Levin Apr. 28, 1942 2,308,517 Konnerth Jan. 19, 1943 2,329,875 Cartlidge Sept. 21, 1943 20 2,368,863 Miller Feb. 6, 1945 

